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Devil Bones
Temperance Brennan Series #11

by Kathy Reichs

 

I'm always excited to find that a new Kathy Reichs book is on the market, and this one fulfilled my expectations. Bones to Ashes, and Cross Bones were both a bit disappointing to me, but Reichs is at the top of her form in Devil Bones.

Dr. Temperance Brennan is working in Charlotte, N.C. in this thriller, as she investigates human and animal remains that come to light during a housing renovation. The remains are included in a collection of cauldrons, candles, and statues which point to a variety of cults who could be involved.  A fundamentalist religious group headed by politician Boyce Lingo stirs up the populace in a vigilante witch hunt for devil-worshipers to further his ambitions.

This novel has everything: dirty politics, male prostitution, Santeria, Voodoo, the headless corpse of a boy, a teenaged girl's skull and hysterical media coverage. The evidence Tempe digs up is contradictory, and she goes down some misleading paths in pursuit of the truth. Then when Tempe's very life is threatened, the suspense escalates.

The realistic forensic descriptions are not for readers who are grossed out by maggots and purification. The characters are complex and well developed, and the plot has fast action and lots of surprises. Tempe's personal life...her repressed alcoholism, ex-husband, ex-boyfriend, and new romantic interest add to the entertainment value of this superb suspense thriller.  Kathy Reichs is near the top of my list of favorite authors.

Reviews of other titles in this series

Carved in Bone #1 [review 1] [review 2]
Flesh and Bone #2
The Devil's Bones #3
Bones of Betrayal #4
The Bone Thief # 5 [review 1] [review 2]
The Bone Yard #6 [review 1] [review 2]
The Breaking Point #9

Without Mercy #12

The Book

Scribner
August 26, 2008
Hardbound
0743294386 / 978-0743294386
Mystery / Suspense

The Reviewer

Beverly J. Rowe
Reviewed 2008
© 2008 MyShelf.com